When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

'Narrow miss'

Officers said Harvey hit speeds of 80mph on the 40mph road and go through another set of red traffic lights, and accelerated to 100mph as he approached the M57 bridge on the 40mph Knowsley Lane.

Mr Duncan said another patrol took up the chase and saw Harvey overtaking traffic.

He added: “At the junction of Kitling Road and Ormskirk Road the defendant couldn’t control the vehicle, carried straight up to the kerb of the roundabout and bounced back, hitting the nearside kerb, causing the tyres on the car to burst.”

Harvey drove off but the car stopped a short distance away because its wheels were damaged.

The one passenger ran away but was caught by police and all three men were arrested.

Harvey claimed he had bought the car the day before, but did not say who he bought it from or how much he paid.

'Thankfully nobody was hurt'

Mr Duncan said the £15,000 vehicle was stolen a year previously and there was no suggestion Harvey was responsible.

Harvey said he had no idea it was stolen but admitted driving away to avoid the police.

He said at one point he was doing 120mph, which he accepted endangered the lives of his passengers and other road users.

The teen, with short brown hair and wearing a blue t-shirt in the dock, admitted dangerous driving and driving with no licence or insurance.

He has previous convictions including robbery and burglary.

Michael Lloyd, defending, said his client made full and frank admissions to police.

He said: “Thankfully nobody was hurt or even worse.”

Mr Lloyd said Harvey had been in and out of care since he was young and apologised for breaching his bail by failing to attend court.

Recorder John Bromley-Davenport, QC, said: “You acknowledged when later interviewed that you achieved speeds of 120mph.

“That is an exceedingly high speed and an exceedingly dangerous speed at which to drive with other passengers in the vehicle and other road users that at any moment might move into your path – pedestrians, cyclists other drivers – and the police officers who you put in peril.”